Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: AWG
Date: 03 Jun 18 - 10:34 AM

Chill ? Haha I was joking, of course I remember you being a serious sort of fellow. Anyhoo I actually haven't listened to anything of theirs for over 6 or 7 years but used to be a big fan as you might recall, some here used the word shill, haha, but now the magic is gone sorry to say, too many changes to the lineup. Sad to hear you weren't able to fulfill your dream of singing their music at the festival, stupid organizers just don't know great music when they hear it.
Oh well, we have One Direction now, (and Justin Bieber) so many changes on the music front since I was last here, maybe you could do some of their stuff ? just kidding. Take 'er easy Joe Joe.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: medievallassie
Date: 03 Jun 18 - 04:55 AM

I have a funny (sorta) story about Celtic Women that I usually share when I sing one song in particular at festivals. A few years ago I was struggling to come up with a list of songs to prepare for the annual Fleadh Cheoil here in the states. It was a bucket list item of mine to compete and win it (still working on the second part of that!) so I decided at age 50 something I wasn't getting any younger and made it happen. I spent at least 4 months prior to the competition trying to find acceptable songs in the Trad genre and MudCat was a huge help, btw. Anyway, about two weeks before the event I finally was able to talk to someone about what was acceptable and what wasn't. The actual quote was "generally, if it's been done by Celtic Woman then don't use it." All six items of my song list, 2 lively and 4 slow, got scrapped!!! I learned that it is impossible to find a song that they haven't done after 14 years of performing!! I went to the competition with a very weak set of songs and naturally the one that I had only learned the week before was the one I had to sing. Thanks a lot, ladies! :-)

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Jun 18 - 12:33 AM

I remember you very well, Wayne.
Chill.

-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor-

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: AWG
Date: 03 Jun 18 - 12:05 AM

That's okay I'm forgettable but Celtic Woman IS NOT.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: AWG
Date: 02 Jun 18 - 11:53 PM

Haha, you don't remember me do you ?

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Jun 18 - 08:33 PM

Wikipedia says the group began in 2004 and has had 14 different members - 4 or 5 at a time, I think. The last of the original members, violinist Máiréad Nesbitt, left in 2016.
I think there's no doubt that the various members of Celtic Woman have all been excellent musicians. It's the heavy marketing and the "sexing up" of the performers that I object to. Part of me enjoys the wonders that corsets and underwire brassieres and makeup and reverb can do, but then I hate myself for it.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: mg
Date: 02 Jun 18 - 07:47 PM

their dresses are quite pretty

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: AWG
Date: 02 Jun 18 - 06:57 PM

Uh oh it looks like people have stopped talking about the Celtic Woman women.

This needs to change, there is so much to discuss.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 04:28 PM

I just thought I'd post some newer stuff......

At the Jose Carraras Gala in Leipzig, Germany


Just some stuff with new member, Lisa Lambe

GfS

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 03:42 PM

another one.."Sweet June"


"Princess"

GfS

P.S. You're welcome!!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 03:33 PM

Here's the newest member: Lisa Lambe..this video was before she got on with Celtic Woman...(Who a couple of them are very, very dear friends!!


Lisa Lambe

None of the songs have been recorded or released.

GfS

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: skarpi
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 03:22 PM

Celtic Women , I love them totally ....they are like ................................................................................................................................................................beautiful summer flower ........who can stand them ..not me

all the best Skarpi

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 09:38 AM

Joe Offer in a corset and Jed marum peeing in someone's Cheerios.
How did I miss this thread?
The title kept me out. Sorry - I can't watch them. I can listen but I just can't watch the painfully staged choreography and dismal "acting".
But I would love to see Joe in a corset - maybe he can replace Big Mick as man of the hour at the next getaway????

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: michaelr
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 01:28 AM

How about some real Celtic women: Karen Matheson and Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 08 Mar 11 - 12:18 AM

Since I have watched these ladies on several PBS broadcasts I see them as talented, beautiful, and well rehearsed and polished. Mairead Nesbitt is a fine fiddler and is my favourite of the group. However I am not a fan of artificial glitz and glamour. Their costumes are way overdone as is their polished routines. In some ways simpler is better and I think that these ladies could perhaps learn from Margaret Barry a thing or two about putting tradition ahead of appearance.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 07 Mar 11 - 11:16 PM

Two of my favorite "Celtic Women" singers:

Jean Redpath


Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 18 Jan 11 - 11:34 PM

Alright, I watched their show again, Twice actually. A DVD given to us for Christmas and a show they did on the local PBS. And then I watched a DVD of Celtic Men.

They can all sing, the instrumentalistas are impressive, and they don't bump into the scenery too much or trip on the smoke.   But there is too much earnest emotion, looks of longing, and eye dewto look real. I am not impressed by fairy blonds leaping through the air playing the fiddle or young boys with good voices trying to beat the voice change thing. (I did enjoy the harpist a lot) I might have enjoyed a show with a lot less production.

The show was too much hard work to watch. And what is this fist pumping thing with the guys.

But to each their own. Enjoy it if you do.

Don

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,stepahnie
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 11:50 PM

does anyone know what her favt color is or why she wanted to become a singer i'm doing a repost on her for my favt singer for chior class and i need to know as much as i can about her!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,screamingbuffalo1969
Date: 07 Jun 08 - 01:39 AM

Alcani....just got a news item regarding pbs....go to your search engine, type in 'celtic woman direction pledge public' you will see what is happening in regards to the pressure pbs is putting on the groups and sales of their music

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 10:35 AM

They are fine performers, but the big stage production isn't my style. It's too "clean" for my taste. Your mileage may vary.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,screamingbuffalo1969
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 09:23 AM

Oh, ok...actually, its not a matter of believing 'what I want to', actually, I would like the truth, and could support you in what you allege (if its accurate) but, shouldn't anyone try to find out what the truth is, before they jump in, head first??, and like I said, before, that management tends to mess up things for the artists(being as they are usually business people, not artists, themselves)..and certainly hope that they don't kill this goose, which is such a wonderfully talented group!! However, I found your posts, and blog page truly interesting, and have given it much thought! Good luck with your 'day in court'. hey, ..keep us posted!!.If I find out anything that would support you, I'll send it off to ya'...

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,ALCAN1
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 02:03 AM

Well you can choose to believe what you want. Im still talkin to those that have information. As to where I got the information concerning Orlagh, I am really good friends with her former web designer.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,screamingbuffalo1969
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:44 AM

So, if they aren't suppose to be talking to their fans, how is it that Orlagh is talking to you? I checked all through the net, and the only mention of Kavanagh, being run off by Bono, is in YOUR blog page. I'm not saying that you're wrong, or misrepresenting anything, altogether, but I'm not convinced that the spark of this whole thing is still not 'that 'unrequited infatuation' thing, that I mentioned before. However, that being said, your story is still very plausible. Can you prove any of it? I'm not merely being antagonistic, but am routing very hard for this group, which is, after all, the best breath of fresh air music has had in decades! Sure hate to see them blow it! Lisa does some material, that is truly inspired stuff, just hate to see it go to waste, or into obscurity...hey, Loved blogging with ya' Good listening!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,ALCAN1
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 01:07 PM

Mairead is wonderful. Ill tell you a story that I was just told this week that really pissed me off. There is a fan who gave her a gift at one of the meet and greets. Mairead loved it and was suprised that this person was made this gift all on his own. The next day this person was in the hotel lobby where he was staying and it happened to be the same hotel that CW was staying at. Mairead and this person saw each other and made eye contact so this person went to her. As he approach Rachel Davis the tour manager prevented him from conversing with Mairead. I was told that the look Mairead gave him was unmistakable, that she really wanted to talk to him but was under the control of the management. The next thing I was told is the part that really pisses me off. Mairead started to cry. Dave Kavanagh and Scott Porter are totally controling these peoples every move. As I stated earlier, they are all treated like slaves. Now I know Mairead and I can tell you that she loves her fans and really enjoys talking to them. When we were in Toronto in March 2006 after the show we waited for her but the person who came down with me went back to the hotel we were staying at and missed Mairead when she finally came out. Mairead kept asking me "Where's Rickie, where's Rickie". When I explained to her that Rickies went back to the hotel due to the cold weather Mairead was really bummed. This was in the early days prior to the tightening of the control from Kavanagh and Porter.

Any fan who says that these people shouldnt attempt to change this situation either by attempting a coup from within or disbanding to eliminate this situation is no better then David Kavanagh. What all these performers are subjected to including the choir and stage hands amounts to slavery. They are given no free time. Are prevented by "the master" of free association. Cannot answer emails etc. Sadly there re too many fans that think this tpye of contol is OK and the decption thats going along with it. I can tell you that I know evil when I see it and what these people are being subjected to is pure EVIL.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,screamingbuffalo1969
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 12:33 PM

In your posts you mentioned Chloe, and Orlagh, and you portray Lisa as being a Diva, but what about Mairead? Where is she in all this???

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,ALCAN1
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 05:52 AM

Opps!! The post above was mine. Sorry I forgot to add my name on the from line.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 05:51 AM

screamingbuffalo1969

It would take me way too long to explain everything here because its 3 years of information. First off let me say that you are incorrect about U2 financing this out fit. They had nothing to do with it in any way. Sharon Browne bought Ktel records in Ireland around 1995 - 1996. Because of her buyout she already had several artists signed on with the former label KTel. She changed the name of the company to Celtic Collections and the new company was born. David Downs was working for her at age 17 as a musical director and he and Sharon produced several albums for the new company. In July 2004 Gustavo Sagastume of PBS approached Sharon about a show for PBS. Sharon thought it was a great idea and was determined to launch the idea she and David Downs had been working on for many years. The Helix production cost $1 million to produce. Sharon took out a second on her home to finance the Helix production but it wasn't enough. So she went to Dave Kavanagh for the remainder of the financing. U2 had nothing to do with it as U2 fired Dave Kavanagh 25 years earlier for the same fraud he is committing today. Its led to many lawsuits on both sides. The entire production came together in less then 5 weeks. Dave Kavanagh made arrangements to launch this as a tour production and he and Sharon Brown entered into an equal partnership agreement with EMI. EMI is the owner of this outfit. Ivan Gavin the COO was the EMI link to the newly formed company. Dave Kavanagh was the chief executive and Gavin was under him at the request of EMI. Sharon Brown remained as managing director until the filming of New Journey. Sharon worked on New Journey and Gavin took her place during that production. At the same time Scott Porter (Lisa Kelly's husband) was named "company production manager". After the filming of New Journey, Dave Kavanagh somehow got control of Sharon's interest in the company and she was fired. Scott Porter was put in her place and Ivan Gavin left EMI and CW around the same time. Scott Porter was name as the general manager and the company was renamed Celtic Woman LDT/Celtic Woman Collections LTD in the late summer of 2006. Sharon went on to start a new company and create the second edition of her original project named "Celtic Man". Kavanagh wasnt happy about that and he filed a lawsuit on 1/4/2008 in federal court in New York case number 1:2008cv00066. the following are lised in the suit. Celtic Thunder Ltd., Celtic Man Ltd., Sharon Browne, WLIW LLC, Align Entertainment Group LLC and Gustavo Sagastume. He didnt want this production to compete with Celtic Woman or his new production "The High Kings".

"When you say that Lisa, 'turned to the dark side', just what do you mean??" What I mean by that is Lisa is no longer a performer. She is management. As a result of her 27 year old husbands promotion as the GM she has turned into a Prima Donna and Diva. Orlagh was the first to voice her unhappiness with this arangment as she wasnt allowed to have her family accompany her on tour and Lisa was given the special treatment. Orlagh voiced this as early the fall 2006 Japan tour. Basically Lisa is not the person I knew and as a result her webmaster pulled her sites for nonpayment for the design in March 2007.

The crew are prohibited from comunicating in anyway with any of the fans. Kavanagh forbids it on any level but there are a few that they do keep in contact with.

The girls themselves and the choir members are also prohibited from working on their own projects under the new management. This along with the total control that the management has is causing several in the group to depart.

I cold go on and on here but in the final analysis you sumed it up correctly. "it wouldn't be the first time management killed the goose that lays the golden egg!!...." I have come to the conclusion that Kavanagh hates the fans with a passion and hates the artists just as much. I think his being fired b U2 changed him for life and his position is Ill destroy them before they ever have the chance to do that to me again.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,screamingbuffalo1969
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 02:42 AM

Alcani,
   Well, it would be a shame if the group disbanded. Not only are they very talented ladies, but from what I've seen and heard, very wonderful people. I know they have their own projects going, as well, but as originally intended, the concept for the show was to give them all exposure, which it certainly did. The combination of them, as a group has been outstanding!!!....When you say that Lisa, 'turned to the dark side', just what do you mean?? As for my observations, the first show, at the Helix Center, certainly has more heart, but the second is, in itself, a more well produced show(at least for American audiences). From most of what I've heard, from what they personally say, the actual performers get along great! but then, it wouldn't be the first time management killed the goose that lays the golden egg!!....and if any of this is true, why don't you(management), and PBS back off, and let the show go on!!!!
   Actually, if any of you, associated with this group, could or would come forward, and say something, we wish you would!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Acorn4
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 06:53 PM

By coincidence I happened to get the CD out of the record library this weekend. At first I thought it was going to be Enya type "musical vallium" , but I liked it by the end. Loved the Handel "Let me Weep", from Rinaldo ( doesn't play for Man United).

Only saw the thumbnails on the cover so not really influenced by the looks.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,ALCAN1
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 05:26 PM

screamingbuffalo 1969

There is alot that I havent posted publically. But will do so in time. As I write this there are many more fans that are being terrorized but CW management. In fact I was contacted this week by some key people who act on behalf of one of the performers. They were not aware of these events untill someone linked then to my Blog. Ive spent about 10 hours on the phone with them this week on conference calls. Its going to be interesting to see what happens but from what Im gathering anothe rone of the preformers are getting readt to jump ship as well. Weather this will be before or after the next filming late this summer I dont know. As for Lisa, I can tell you that I used to think the world of her. But once her husband (who is only 27) was named as the GM of CW LTD after Dave Kavanagh stole the company from Sharon Browne and fired her after New Journey was filmed in Aug 2006, Lisa has "turned to the dark side". This feeling is shared by many who I have been talking to including Orlagh herself. Orlagh voiced her opinion in the fall of 2006. What is going to happen with CW in the future is anyones guess but Ive been told that there are many who are ready to leave as Meav did. Its not a matter of if, its a matter of when.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,screamingbuffalo1969
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 04:36 PM

, At the end of one of my posts was this message: Although membership is preferred, visitors are welcome to post as guests at Mudcat. However, we require that you use a consistent and distinctive name. Please pick a name and use it consistently. Thank you. - joe clone - I apologize for not posting my name. I didn't know that I omitted it, sorry.
The original message was:                                                       Sorry to hear that about the management, if it is accurate, I have no way to comment, either way..so, so much for that...however, as so far as the comments, made by the purists...as Eric Clapton is to Robert Johnson, Jimi Hendrix to 'soul music' (with his style guitar or to Dylan('All Along The Watchtower' was his(Jimi's only top 10 hit), The Byrds to folk, Frank Zappa to top 10 hits, the Beatles, to rock and roll, Celtic Woman to Traditional Celtic music,, and so on..(I think you get the message)..Variations based on a 'less than pure form' of the other. There is room for all of it. I checked out the links, posted above, as to define what 'pure' was..yes they are all good..but music is an expression, not a competition, whether it be, spiritual, romantic, political, angry, emotional,..what ever..and Celtic Woman's expression of what they do, is just as valid as the next. In the studio, we used to have and expression, when a 'purist' refused to tune with a digital tuner(as they often did)..'you can always tell a purist..they're ALWAYS out of tune!!!' Hey, enjoy it all!!!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,Cecil Puba
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 04:26 PM

To screamingbuffalo 1969, I've read your posts, in regards to all the feedback, regarding Celtic Woman, and comments made about them. I think you are the coolest!..Love to work with you! Cecil

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,screamingbuffalo1969
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 04:18 PM

To mostly alcani, i went to your link, and from the sounds of it, it certainly appears that you have a definite jones for Lisa Kelly...and,who's to blame you. It appears that the large part of your frustration was not being able to meet her at the meet and greet...not the music itself, and now you are on a campaign to smear them, as a way to vent your 'unrequited infatuation'..that being said,..well at least you have taste, but be careful that you don't get crazy. Actually, I do agree about the control PBS has over them, but the money raised to put the original show together was from Bono(U2), and PBS aired it to give them exposure, as a one time concert. Because of the contractual agreements with PBS, they have been stuck, with the obligations made with them. Who knew it would take off like it did!!! PBS is more your target, than Celtic Woman, but then, there are a lot of crazies out there, and your link indicates you certainly would be a concern to their security personnel...So calm down, enjoy the music!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,Ewan Spawned a Monster
Date: 30 May 08 - 06:16 AM

More anodyne pap for them that likes such a thing, I suppose.

If there's room in the world for Eurovision, X-factor, Stars in Their Eyes, and all the rest of the mainufactured, mainstream corporate pop the industry tries to sell us, there's room for this.

It's no better or worse than the rest of the aural junkfood oozing out of our radios.

Sure the advertising industry could find a use for it too. Manufactured Oirishness has always been a moneyspinner.

As long as it's the soundtrack to someone else's life and not mine. Life's too short to ever have to listen to that again. My shoulders are so tense after a few minute's exposure they physically hurt.

Meanwhile, roll on the long overdue death of the multinational megacorp "music" business.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 30 May 08 - 03:03 AM

Catholic crowd-pleasers?

Frank!

Don't make me put my drink down.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 May 08 - 01:36 AM

It seems as if those cloest to what's considered traditional Irish/celtic are the ones that place themselves the farthest away from the Celtic Women. Kind of like the gourmet chef shying away from MacDonalds. Eat what you want, it's a matter of personal taste.

Barry

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 30 May 08 - 12:36 AM

The show is a spectacle, like the Ice Capades, like Riverdance, like the Cirque de Soleil. If that's the stuff you like, you'll like Celtic Woman. It's hardly traditional.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,ALCAN1
Date: 29 May 08 - 11:56 PM

Oh yes its 100% accurare about their management. Go to my Blog at http://alcan1.blogspot.com and read how bad they really are. The report posted was a consumer protection complaint I personally filed against them. After Meav quit she came to the US for a shor solo concert tour in the northeast. I personally handed her a copy of this report for her own information. Ill answer any questions about the fraudulent nature concerning this outfit and provide the evidence to back it up. The US taxpayers are being fleeced big time by this outfit.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 08 - 11:37 PM

Sorry to hear that about the management, if it is accurate, I have no way to comment, either way..so, so much for that...however, as so far as the comments, made by the purists...as Eric Clapton is to Robert Johnson, Jimi Hendrix to 'soul music' (with his style guitar or to Dylan('All Along The Watchtower' was his(Jimi's only top 10 hit), The Byrds to folk, Frank Zappa to top 10 hits, the Beatles, to rock and roll, Celtic Woman to Traditional Celtic music,, and so on..(I think you get the message)..Variations based on a 'less than pure form' of the other. There is room for all of it. I checked out the links, posted above, as to define what 'pure' was..yes they are all good..but music is an expression, not a competition, whether it be, spiritual, romantic, political, angry, emotional,..what ever..and Celtic Woman's expression of what they do, is just as valid as the next. In the studio, we used to have and expression, when a 'purist' refused to tune with a digital tuner(as they often did)..'you can always tell a purist..they're ALWAYS out of tune!!!' Hey, enjoy it all!!!

Although membership is preferred, visitors are welcome to post as guests at Mudcat. However, we require that you use a consistent and distinctive name. Please pick a name and use it consistently. Thank you. - joe clone -

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: radriano
Date: 29 May 08 - 03:04 PM

Sorry, but the Celtic Woman show is overproduced and CHEESY.

I've made no negative comment about singing abilities or appearences.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,ALCAN1
Date: 29 May 08 - 01:24 PM

I am a huge fan of Celtic Woman. I despise their management. They are by far the most dishonest people Ive ever dealt with. They treat the talent as they would treat a slave. They are litterally kept locked up and are prohibited from having any sort of freedom, even in their off time. Scott Proter, Dave Kavanagh and Lisa Kelly have really run them into the ground in the last 14 months. None of the talant is happy and several supporting choir members are quiting. It looks to me like Chloe is making preperations to depart in the future. At least Meav and Hayley were smart enough to quit last summer. As long as EMI or Kavanagh is involved with this outfit I wont support them again. That whole outfit is pathetic and they will rip you off. Sadly the talent is under total control of the management. They wont last much longer as the economy in the US weakens further.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: CupOfTea
Date: 28 May 08 - 07:20 PM

Like Pogo used to say "to each their furry own"

While the Celtic Woman package deal isn't to my taste, I see the talent, the packaging and the high production values and think both of the kind of reaction Michael Flatley gets(negative and positive) and some of what brought me to traditional music and dance.

My first reaction was astonishment: "how on earth do they SING in those corsets?!!!" The venue I saw them in was a PBS fund drive. I find it endlessly fascinating that the mainstream folk performers seem to always be a part of what's broadcast during fund drives: Michael Flatley, Peter Paul & Mary, revivals of Kingston Trio, a handful of others. Always. The Celtic Woman phenomenon to me is a part of this continuum, and has a place in the entire continuum of "folk."

This sort of production presents a glimpse of tradition to people who wouldn't willingly attend a folk festival, would be apalled by a hard core traditional acapella singer like Frank Harte, are accustomed to videos and Hollywood flashyness. Yet, the bones of traditon that are under those yards of tulle, enhanced by the well designed lighting, with the superb editing can still reach out and grab the imagination, and THAT can lead to seeking out the rest of the iceberg of which Celtic Woman is only the shiny tip showing.

As a child, my first exposure to Irish music of any sort was "Arthur Godfrey presents Carmel Quinn." It's 40some years later, I'm up to my eyeballs and beyond loving traditional song and tunes & a chance acquaintance gives me a CD burned of that very same album. I hear it now -all full of Holywood orchestration, like something out of a Bing Crosby movie and yanno, it's not what I really want to listen to now. It seems hokey. Yet... yet.... "If I were a blackbird" I'd rather listen to Andy M. Stewart sing it, now... but I've been singing it for 40 years because I nearly wore out my vinyl Carmel Quinn album as a child.

Not everyone is lucky enough to be born to a place where traditional music is strong: I certainly wasn't. Not everyone knows it's even there to FIND. The paths we sometimes to take to our heart's delight can be convoluted. I'd never disdain the ways folks get their interest piqued. The folks who go to Irish fest here who HAVE to hear songs I find utterly boring "Come out you black & tans" and "No nay never" and oh lord NOT "The Scottsman" one more time - those are the gate fees that bring the wonderful harper, Cherish the Ladies, the traditional shanachie telling tales, the sean nos singer with the small audience.

Folk the music, and "folks" the people, are a continuum, and if we want to survive, we'd best not forget it.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,cStu
Date: 28 May 08 - 06:47 PM

That Margaret Barry song was the business, Sedayne. Ta very much.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 May 08 - 06:32 PM

"drop dead gorgeous" shouldn't be part of the quality factor. I can watch TinkerBell sprinkle fairy dust over any production.
They are good, as individules & as a whole. Would they be carrying on like that at any other time while doing music, they'd probably break their necks or at the very least cause such an uproar that no one else would be able to join in the spectical. To me, it's like watching the new family of Martial Arts flicks where the principles are flying through the air & bouncing from branch to limb, it just ain't real, it ain't what happens in the real world. But then "there's no business like show business".
Besides, someone's gotta be making money & taking it in from them that was born to spend it, but not with my nickle.

Barry

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 28 May 08 - 06:31 PM

right on Don!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 28 May 08 - 06:07 PM

I never said they lacked talent or weren't good at what they did. I think show is canned, contrived, and over produced. Do they sing and play well? Hell yes. Are they drop dead gorgeous? Absolutely. Are they first rate performers? Undeniably.

Are they Milli Vanilli with a Harp and lilt? Thats what it looks like to me. And I think the Celtic Men are a worse presentation.

Don

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 28 May 08 - 04:54 PM

"please give them credit for knowing their craft, being effective performers beyond the narrow scope of folk snobs and creating much better popularized music than you hear on the airwaves today."

Well said Frank!!!

It has always amazed me how narrow-minded many folkies really are - but very few admit to it. Folk music has evolved to touch, and change, popular music which I think is the most overlooked "victory" to come out of the folk revival.   I happened to catch a portion of American Idol and was amazed to see one of the contestants playing acoustic guitar with Graham Nash - clearly the influence of folk music that made the acoustic guitar a prevelant instrument and altered the way songs were written for public consumption.

I'm not a big fan of the "Celtic Women" show, but I have heard and played some of the individuals - and there is a lot of talent there. It is not a sin to entertain people.

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,erinmaidin aka eileen mclane
Date: 28 May 08 - 04:43 PM

Big Blush here, Mick!! How nice to be mentioned among such great company! thank you thank you and come see us again sometime!

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 28 May 08 - 04:42 PM

Hey, c'mon. These ladies may not be typical of the ethnic folk music of Ireland but they have great voices and can sing. They are highly produced but quite musical and David Downes should be credited for this. Mairead is a fine fiddler, also.

Your criticisms sounds like "folk snobbery" to me.

My only gripe is that they veer toward Catholic crowd-pleasers with which I can't relate.

But please give them credit for knowing their craft, being effective performers beyond the narrow scope of folk snobs and creating much better popularized music than you hear on the airwaves today.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Let's talk about the CELTIC WOMAN Women!!
From: radriano
Date: 28 May 08 - 02:48 PM

I found the Celtic Women show a bit on the cheesy side.

The gushing about physical attributes of the singers is a bit adolescent, don't you think?

I usually don't add to threads I don't find an interest in but I just could not help myself today. Really, I expect more from Mudcat than this sort of thing.

Sorry, I'll get off the soapbox now.